The Differences Between Sports Therapists And Physiotherapists
Posted on 12th April 2023 at 15:59
Are you experiencing muscular injuries or issues and wondering if sports therapy or physiotherapy is the right choice for you? In this blog, we’ll clear up some of the confusion and help you understand the differences and similarities between the two.
Sports therapy and physiotherapy are two separate healthcare professions, but it can be difficult to tell them apart. In reality, we share many similarities. For instance, we’re both highly educated to degree level, qualified and knowledgeable professionals capable of creating unique treatment plans and rehabilitation programmes for your individual needs. We help clients minimise pain levels, provide assessments of injuries, and where possible, offer a diagnosis. We also perform soft tissue treatments such as massage, muscle energy techniques and manual therapy treatments such as mobilisations. Additionally, we help clients with injury prevention, management, and lifestyle changes.
Training differences
However, there are some differences between the two professions. Physiotherapists are trained in neuromusculoskeletal, neurology, respiratory and cardiovascular areas, while sports therapists are trained solely in neuromusculoskeletal areas. Nevertheless, don’t let this fool you; our expertise in neuromuscular injuries/conditions allows our knowledge of this area to be vast and versatile when it comes to adapting to a client’s individual needs.
Treatment approaches
In terms of treatment approaches, both professions use a similar approach where “physiotherapy” skills are applied. A sports therapist’s approach is exactly the same, but we are much more hands-on. We muscle test, massage, stretch and mobilise joints, as well as give exercises, to help clients recover from injuries.
At Fire & Earth, we work alongside physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals in multi-disciplinary teams. Our individual knowledge can be combined to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients. We specialise in soft tissue; within that, we all have different skills that get the best possible results for each client.
Sports therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with preventing injury and rehabilitating the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability. As sports therapists, our aim is to take you above and beyond optimal levels of performance following an injury, aiming to prevent re-occurrences and manage those you may currently have.
In conclusion, there aren't any specific differences between the two professions when it comes to neuromusculoskeletal injuries that a sports therapist can't handle. So come and see for yourself what we can do for you here at Fire & Earth.
If you're looking for a sports therapist to help you with your injuries, book an appointment with us now. Remember, it's not just individuals from sporting backgrounds that can benefit from our knowledge and expertise, anyone with muscular injuries or issues can benefit from our skill set. So, what are you waiting for? Book in online and let us help you get back to your best!
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